English-Style Potting Sheds

Wood Siding

• If you want to recreate a true English-style potting shed, a metal or plastic structure will not do. Wood siding creates a warm, inviting look reminiscent of a country home. There are several wood siding options to consider, so you can choose a look that fits your preferences. Applied horizontally, clapboard siding provides a traditional appearance for your shed, but beveled siding, which is thinner on one end than the other, can create a smoother finish for the exterior than regular clapboard siding. You may also opt for vertical wood siding or wood shingles for a more-textured look. If you prefer a natural look, stain the wood to bring out its natural tones and grain. Painting the wood, however, can help with the English look. Opt for shades such as white, blue or yellow, which provide a country feel.

Cedar-Shingled Roof

• To give your potting shed a charming look that's a trademark of the English style, cover the roof with cedar shingles. Like wood siding, they create a look reminiscent of a home in the English countryside. A basic gable roof, which is easy to frame and provides a cottagelike feel, is a good base for shingles. The cedar naturally has warm, red-brown tones, but it weathers to a soft gray over time. In addition, cedar shingles are extremely durable and can last for many years if properly installed.

Porch

• To distinguish your English potting shed from a basic storage shed, a small porch is an ideal addition to help further the cottagelike look. You can create an overhang that mimics the roof line of the shed's main portion, and use railing with carved detail to give it a decorative look. Paint or stain the porch to match the shed for a seamless transition. If the porch is large enough, place a wrought-iron chair or loveseat to provide a spot to take in your garden view. You can also set out some of your potted handiwork to add color and texture to the porch.

Window Boxes

• Your English potting shed should have at least a couple of windows so you have plenty of natural light when you're working inside. Installing window boxes on the exterior of the windows is an ideal way to dress up your shed so it doesn't resemble an ordinary storage shed. Paint the boxes to match the shed, or use white or a creamy yellow for a soft look. Window boxes also allow you to show off the hard work that goes on inside the shed, by displaying your flowers and plants.